Clinic 554 in Fredericton. (Image: Facebook)
A group of local drag queens and kings are banding together to raise funds for Fredericton’s Clinic 554.
They’re putting on three charity shows in Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton, with all proceeds going toward helping the clinic, which may have to shut down due to a lack of funding.
Alex Saunders, who goes by the stage name Justin Toodeep, says Clinic 554 is more than just an abortion clinic.
“A lot of people like to peg it as just an abortion clinic because that makes it really easy to hate, to vilify, but they actually take care of LGBT people. When they started they took on 600 patients off of our waitlist, and that’s not just from Fredericton, that’s from everywhere,” she said.
Saunders says the fight to save Clinic 554 is an important one, and urges people to send letters and emails to both Premier Blaine Higgs and Health Minister Ted Fleming.
She says until the government steps up, it’s up to the community and allies like herself to help out.
“We have to get out and support this because its very important. Not only for women’s reproductive health, but also LGBT health, specifically our trans brothers and sisters,” she said.
“If I can reduce someone’s suffering by making their access to the right drugs, the right surgeries by keeping this clinic open, then by all means I’m going to do as much as I possibly can.”
Alex Saunders, who performs as drag king Justin Too-Deep, says Clinic 554 helps LGBT patients too. (Submitted: Alex Saunders)
Saunders says she is part of a niche but thriving community of drag kings and queens in New Brunswick who have taken it upon themselves to stand up and help those in need.
“I dress up like a man for fun and perform the audiences, but also a great big part of that is raising money for community initiatives,” she said.
She explains none of the performers are getting paid for the shows: all the money from the pay-what-you-can cover and a 50/50 draw is going straight to the clinic.
Saunders says their first show in Saint John raised more than expected.
“Honestly, I expected us to get a lot less from pay what you can. My suggested donation was $10, but it was fairly well attended and we ended up raising overall, out of everything, $732.50 for Clinic 554,” she said.
There are still two more shows happening later this week, in Fredericton and Moncton.
“The next one is in Fredericton on the 14th at the Charlotte Street Art Centre…That’s going to feature a lot of really great local performers. The very last one is on the 16th in Moncton at Pink Flamingos,” she said.
